Other Definitions
forlorn hope (dict)
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Forlorn HopeForlorn hope is a military term that comes from the Dutch verlorene hoop (a lost troop). It was most frequently used to refer to the first wave of soldiers attacking a breach in defences during a siege, in the days of muzzle-loading muskets. It was likely that most members of the forlorn hope would be killed or injured. The intention was that some would survive long enough to seize a foothold that could be reinforced, or at least that a second wave with better prospects could be sent in while the defenders were reloading or engaged in mopping up the remnants of the first wave. A forlorn hope was typically led by a junior officer with hopes of personal advancement. If he survived, and performed courageously, he was almost guaranteed both a promotion and a longer term boost to his career prospects. As a result, despite the risks, there was often competition for the opportunity to lead the assault. There was a symmetry between the risks faced by the forlorn hope and those faced by the defenders. Once a breach suitable for assault had been made in defences, defenders were usually given a chance to surrender safely. If they chose not to take this opportunity, forcing the attackers to undertake an assault, the usages of war made them subject to massacre, and made the position (often a town or city) that they were holding subject to being sacked.
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